Smashburger Extends Menu to Meatless

[Feb. 3 Update: Smashburger has extended the vegetarian menu to its units in Idaho, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Northern California and Wichita, Kan.]Fast-growing fast-casual Smashburger certainly isn’t afraid of tinkering with the concept. Last fall, it boldly took its menu beyond burgers into chicken sandwiches and salads. Then, this month, it bent its local-flavors approach to accommodate its first national limited-time offer (the Sin City Smashburger), Smashburger is giving a nod to those who—always or occasionally—choose to eat meatless.

Interestingly, the new meatless offerings aren’t appearing first in a major market, where the vegetarian clientele might be assumed to be largest. Instead, Smashburger’s two stores in greater Des Moines, Iowa, get the tryouts. Added to its menu there this week are a Black Bean Burger and three grilled cheese sandwiches. The veggie burger is priced at $4.99, the same as the Iowa Smashburger (with locally produced Maytag blue cheese, applewood-smoked bacon, haystack onions, lettuce, tomato and mayo), and it can be dressed with choice of toppings as with all other burgers.

Priced at $3.99 each are the Three-Cheese Grilled Cheese; Spinach, Swiss & Egg Grilled Cheese and a Mushroom & Spinach Grilled Cheese. Smashburger executives were not immediately available to comment on expansion plans for the meatless options.